South Korean prosecutors seek 15-year sentence for ex-PM Han

South Korean prosecutors have formally requested a 15-year prison sentence for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, charging him with complicity in a botched attempt to impose martial law by former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The demand was presented during the final hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, marking a critical juncture in a case that has gripped the nation and underscores the legal accountability of high-ranking officials, a principle of governance that resonates in democracies worldwide, including Türkiye.

The Prosecution's Case

The special counsel team, led by Cho Eun-suk, argued that Han was uniquely positioned to prevent what they termed an "insurrection." A prosecutor asserted that the former PM "abandoned his duty as a servant of the entire nation and took part in the insurrection crime," accusing him of a series of acts surrounding the martial law declaration. Han was indicted in August on charges of supporting the failed December power grab.

Expected Verdict and Precedent

The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on either January 21 or 28, making Han the first defendant to receive a judgment in this high-profile martial law case. This timeline sets the stage for a landmark ruling that will have significant political and legal repercussions in South Korea, testing the robustness of its democratic institutions against attempts to seize extraordinary power.

The Fallout from the Crisis

The case stems from events that led to the ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office by the Constitutional Court last April for his failed bid to impose martial law. Yoon has been incarcerated since July, and the trial of his former prime minister represents the continued legal reckoning for an administration that attempted to overstep its constitutional boundaries, leading to a profound political crisis.